Connecting assembly and method for producing a connecting assembly

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of German Patent Application No. 10 2011 009 230.7 filed Jan. 22, 2011, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a connecting assembly with two pipe end sections and a profiled clamp which has a clamping band with a base and two tilted side walls, between which an annular sealing element is arranged.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a connecting assembly of this type.

2. Discussion of Background Information

Connecting assemblies of this type are used, for example, in the exhaust gas region of motor vehicles. A fluid-tight connection between different pipes or pipe end sections is normally necessary. The pipe end sections have hitherto been connected to one another with relatively complex flange and seal constructions. A flange is thereby first welded to the pipe end sections in a gas-tight manner; and subsequently, the pipe end sections are connected to one another with the aid of a connecting element, which overlaps the two flanges and draws the pipe end sections together. The connecting element thereby normally also has a sealing element, which is used to seal the pipe end sections. As a rule, an additional sealing chamber is thereby necessary to accommodate the sealing element.

The production of the gas-tight flange connection generally requires additional rotary parts and is relatively complex. The expenditure for producing a connection of this type is further increased by the provision and the design of a space for the sealing element.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the invention are directed to an improved connecting assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting assembly has a simple construction. In an advantageous embodiment, the connecting assembly provides a fluid tight connection of the two pipe end sections.

Further the invention is directed to an improved connecting method.

Instead of, as in the past, requiring additional rotary parts in the form of flanges and attaching them to the pipe end sections, the pipe end sections are with at least one pleat projecting outwards. A pleat represents a region of the pipe end section which is deformed outwards and thus forms a perimeter boss around the pipe end section. Since the pleat is embodied in one piece with the pipe end section, there is no danger that a fluid can leak out at this point. The strength of the pipe end section is thereby increased by the deformation of the pipe end section with the pleat. A favorable component, such as a profiled clamp, can be manufactured in mass production and thereby used with the pleats. Essentially radial forces are transferred from the profiled clamped via the sealing element to the pipe end sections by tightening the profiled clamp, so that the sealing element is pressed tightly on the pipe end sections or at the ends of the pipe end sections and a connection point between the pipe end sections. At the same time, due to the tilted embodiment of the side walls, an axial force transfer takes place from the side walls to the pleats, wherein the pipe end sections are pressed together axially. Thus a compression of the seal and an axial pressing of the pipe end sections take place at the same time by tightening the profiled clamp. A fluid-tight connection can thus be achieved in a simple manner, while a release of the connection is prevented at the same time.

It is particularly preferred that the pipe end sections have an identical diameter and in particular bear against one another at the front face. The pipe end sections are thus laid flush against one another, as it were, and are then held together axially by the profiled clamp, which at the same time exerts a radial force on the sealing element, so that a fluid-tight connection is obtained. Due to the identical diameter of the pipe end sections the profiled clamp and in particular the sealing element can be embodied in a very simple manner.

Preferably, ends of the side walls are spaced radially apart from the pipe end sections. If the ends of the side walls are spaced radially apart from the pipe end sections even in the clamped state, it is ensured that the radial clamping forces of the profiled clamp act essentially on the sealing element and compress it. A transfer of force from the profiled clamp directly to the pipe end sections is thereby avoided. Instead the transfer of force takes place only on the pleats and the sealing element.

Preferably, the sealing element bears against the base and the side walls. In this manner, the sealing element can have recesses in particular in the region of the ends of the side walls. These recesses are now usable to pre-position the profiled clamp on the pleats. Otherwise a relatively large region is available for the transfer of force from the profiled clamp to the seal.

It is particularly preferred thereby for the recess to be smaller than the pleats. During tightening of the profiled clamp, the pleats are pressed into the recess, whereby a deformation of the sealing element takes place. This ensures a bearing of the sealing element in particular also against the insides of the pleats, which increases the security of the seal.

Preferably, a width of the base is smaller than the distance between the pleats. This ensures that the side walls always can exert an axial force on the pleats, so that the pipe end sections are pressed together axially. A distance between the ends of the side walls is then greater than the axial extension of the base. The side walls are thus arranged in a V-shaped manner with respect to one another, but with a flat base.

Preferably, the pleats have a straight region running in the radial direction. It is thereby ensured that the pleats have a sufficient radial extension, so that the ends of the side walls do not radially contact the pipe end sections even during tightening of the profiled clamp. At the same time, a sufficient compression of the sealing element is possible. The pleats can thereby have an extension in the radial direction, for example, which corresponds to approximately twice the pipe wall thickness of the pipe end sections.

In a preferred embodiment, the sealing element has an insert sleeve on a radial inside, which insert sleeve axially covers a gap between the pipe end sections. An insert sleeve of this type is produced, for example, from a relatively strong material, such as, e.g., a metal. The insert sleeve prevents the sealing element from penetrating into a gap between the pipe end sections. A compression of the pipe end sections is thus easier.

At the same time, the sealing element is prevented from being damaged by edges at the ends of the pipe end sections. The insert sleeve does not thereby need to extend axially much further than the gap between the pipe end sections when the profiled clamp is not clamped.

In another preferred embodiment, the sealing element has an annular element on a radial inside, which annular element extends into a gap between the pipe end sections. The annular element is embodied in one piece or in two pieces with the sealing element. A stop is formed by this annular element and the ends of the pipe end sections are pressed axially against the annular element accordingly, a centering of the sealing element and thus a centering of the profiled clamp with respect to the pipe end sections takes place while providing an additional seal. A direct contact between the ends of the pipe end sections is also prevented, thus avoiding damage to these ends. The annular element can thereby be embodied in one piece or in two pieces with the sealing element, that is, it can either be arranged as an additional element on the inside of the sealing element or can be part of the sealing element.

The insertion of the pleats represents a relatively simple shaping, which permits the introduction of axial forces through which the pipe end sections are held axially or even are pressed towards one another. The axial forces are thereby applied with the aid of the profiled clamp or via the tilted side walls thereof, which touch the pleats. During the tightening of the profiled clamp, a compression of the sealing element thereby takes place at the same time, which ensures the necessary tightness of the connection. The profiled clamp is thereby positioned such that the sealing element is located symmetrically over the connection point of the pipe end sections. This can be achieved in that the pleats are shaped with the same distance to the respective end of the pipe end sections. In contrast to welded flanges, the pleats thereby represent a one-piece deformation of the pipe end sections, whereby there is no risk of leaks. The provision of perimeter pleats is thereby less complex than the production of the flanges as additional rotary parts, which also have to be fastened to the pipe end sections in a gas-tight manner. In total, therefore, a connecting assembly that can be produced in a very simple and cost-effective manner for the fluid-tight connection of two pipe end sections can thus be achieved.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a connecting assembly that includes two pipe end sections arranged to face each other, a profiled clamp including a clamping band with a base and two tilted side walls with ends, and at least one perimeter pleat projecting outwards on each of the pipe end sections. The side walls are engagable with the pleats on sides of the pleats facing away from one another.

According to embodiments, the connecting assembly may further include an annular sealing element arranged between the two tilted side walls.

In accordance with other embodiments, the pipe end sections can have an identical diameter. Further, the pipe end sections may bear against one another at their front faces.

According to embodiments of the invention, in a tightened state of the clamping band, the ends of the side walls can be spaced apart radially from the pipe end sections.

According to other aspects of the embodiments, the sealing element can bears against the base and the side walls. The sealing element may have recesses in regions of the ends of the side walls. Further, the recesses are smaller than the pleats.

In accordance with still other aspects of the embodiments, a width of the base can be smaller than a distance between the pleats.

Moreover, the pleats can have a straight region running in the radial direction.

According to still other embodiments of the instant invention, the connecting assembly may further include an insert sleeve on a radial inside of the sealing element. The insert sleeve can be positionable to cover a gap between the pipe end sections.

In accordance with embodiments, the sealing element may have an annular element on a radial inside portion that extends into a gap between the pipe end sections. The annular element can be embodied in one piece or in two pieces with the sealing element.

Embodiments are directed to a method for producing a connection of two pipe end sections. The method includes positioning two pipe end sections to face each other, each of the pipe end sections having at least one pleat projecting radially outwards, locating a profiled clamp over the pleats, the profiled clamp including a clamping band having a base and two side walls, and adjusting an axial distance between the pleats through a radial movement of the sidewalls.

According to embodiments, the profiled clamp includes an annular sealing element arranged at an inner side of the profiled clamp.

In accordance with other embodiments, the method may also include pressing the pipe end sections radially and at the same time axially towards each other via the sidewalls while maintaining a radial spacing between open ends of the side walls and the pipe end sections.

According to still other embodiments, the adjusting can include tightening the clamping band so that the pleats slide along the side walls and move towards each other.

Further, the two side walls can extend obliquely from the base.

Embodiments are directed to a profiled clamp for connecting two pipe end sections, each of the pipe end sections having at least one perimeter pleat. The profiled clamp includes a clamping band having a base and two tilted side walls, an annular sealing element located between the two tilted side walls, and a recess formed between a part of the two tilted side walls and the annular sealing element to form a slide surface for the pleats.

Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present invention may be ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure and the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein:

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a cross section of a connecting assembly in a diagrammatic representation;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1<i>a </i></figref>illustrates a cross section of a connecting assembly in a diagrammatic representation;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates a sealing element in a preferred embodiment; and

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates the sealing element in a further embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the present invention may be embodied in practice.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows a connecting assembly <b>1</b> with two pipe end sections <b>2</b>, <b>3</b> which are held together with the aid of a profiled clamp <b>4</b>. The profiled clamp <b>4</b> has a clamping band <b>5</b>, which has a base <b>6</b> and two side walls <b>7</b>, <b>8</b>. The design of profiled clamps is thereby assumed to be generally known.

Ends <b>9</b>, <b>10</b> of the side walls <b>7</b>, <b>8</b> respectively engage behind a pleat <b>11</b>, <b>12</b>, which are respectively arranged at a pipe end section <b>2</b>, <b>3</b> in the region of an end <b>13</b>, <b>14</b>. The side walls <b>7</b>, <b>8</b> of the profiled clamp <b>4</b> thereby bear against an outside of the pleats <b>11</b>, <b>12</b> such that during the tightening of the profiled clamp <b>4</b> an axial force is exerted on the pleats <b>11</b>, <b>12</b> via the side walls <b>7</b>, <b>8</b>. In this manner, axial forces press the pipe end sections <b>2</b>, <b>3</b> towards one another. Although it is thereby desirable, but not absolutely necessary, that the ends <b>13</b>, <b>14</b> of the pipe end sections <b>2</b>, <b>3</b> can abut against one another on their front faces. Due to the compression of a sealing element <b>15</b>, which is arranged in the profiled clamp <b>4</b> between the base <b>6</b> and the side walls <b>7</b>, <b>8</b> a fluid-tight seal takes place between the pipe end sections <b>2</b>, <b>3</b> outwards. The sealing element <b>15</b> is thereby radially compressed between the base <b>6</b> and the pipe end sections <b>2</b>, <b>3</b> during the tightening of the profiled clamp <b>4</b>.

The sealing element <b>15</b> has respectively one recess <b>16</b>, <b>17</b> in the region of the ends <b>9</b>, of the side walls <b>7</b>, <b>8</b>, into which the pleats <b>11</b>, <b>12</b> penetrate during the tightening of the profiled clamp <b>4</b>. So that a compression of the sealing element <b>15</b> also takes place, the recesses <b>16</b>, <b>17</b> are thereby smaller than the pleats <b>11</b>, <b>12</b>.

The pleats <b>11</b>, <b>12</b> are arranged at a distance “a” from one another, which is greater than the axial extension of the base <b>6</b>. This ensures that axial forces can also always be exerted on the pleats <b>11</b>, <b>12</b> via the side walls <b>7</b>, <b>8</b>. The pleats <b>11</b>, <b>12</b> thereby extend in the radial direction such that they have straight regions <b>18</b>, <b>19</b> running in the radial direction. Since the pleats are produced by material deformation, a radial outer edge of the pleats is always rounded so that a favorable bearing of the side walls <b>7</b>, <b>8</b> against the pleats <b>11</b>, <b>12</b> is ensured. The corresponding radial extension of the pleats <b>11</b>, <b>12</b>, thereby ensures that the ends <b>9</b>, <b>10</b> of the side walls <b>7</b>, <b>8</b> do not radially strike the pipe end sections <b>2</b>, <b>3</b> during the tightening of the profiled clamp <b>4</b> and would thus prevent a further compression of the sealing element <b>15</b>.

The pleats <b>11</b>, <b>12</b> are thereby embodied symmetrically on the pipe end sections <b>2</b>, <b>3</b> that is, respectively at half the distance “a” from the end <b>13</b>, <b>14</b> of the pipe end section <b>2</b>, <b>3</b>. In a corresponding manner, the sealing element <b>15</b> always covers the connection point between the pipe end sections <b>2</b>, <b>3</b>.

The profiled clamp <b>4</b> can have different clamping devices, such as, for example, a clamping screw. However, for the sake of simplicity in explanation and understanding, the specifics of the clamping device are not illustrated.

In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the sealing element <b>15</b>′ is provided on a radial inside <b>20</b> with an insert sleeve <b>21</b>, wherein the insert sleeve <b>21</b> bears against a radial outside of the pipe end sections <b>2</b>′, <b>3</b>′ and axially covers a gap <b>22</b> formed between the two pipe end sections <b>2</b>′, <b>3</b>′ or between the ends <b>13</b>, <b>14</b> thereof. The insert sleeve <b>21</b> is thereby made of a relatively inelastic material, such as a metal, for example, and prevents the sealing element <b>15</b>′ from penetrating into the gap <b>22</b> during the tightening of the profiled clamp (not shown), which would prevent a compression of the pipe end sections <b>2</b>′, <b>3</b>′. At the same time, the sealing element <b>15</b>′ is protected from damage in the region of the ends <b>13</b>, <b>14</b> of the pipe end sections <b>2</b>′, <b>3</b>′.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows an embodiment of the sealing element <b>15</b>″, such that the sealing element <b>15</b>″ is embodied in one piece with an annular element <b>23</b>. The annular element <b>23</b> thereby extends into the gap <b>22</b> between the pipe end sections <b>2</b>′, <b>3</b>′. The ends <b>13</b>, <b>14</b> of the pipe end sections <b>2</b>′, <b>3</b>′ thereby bear axially against the annular element <b>23</b>, which thus prevents direct contact of the ends <b>13</b>, <b>14</b> and in addition improves the sealing effect of the sealing element <b>15</b>″.

Instead of a one-piece embodiment of the annular element <b>23</b>, as is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the annular element <b>23</b> can also be embodied independently and arranged on the inside <b>20</b> of the sealing element <b>15</b>.

Via the connecting assembly according to the invention, the two pipe end sections can be connected to one another in a fluid-tight manner without additional rotary parts, such as flanges, for example, being necessary, which have to be connected to the pipe end sections. Instead, a simple perimeter pleat is embodied in each pipe end section, which are used for axially securing in position with the aid of a profiled clamp. The profiled clamp at the same time is used to press a sealing element radially against the pipe end sections, whereby a connection point is sealed between the pipe end sections. The embodiment of the pleats thereby has the advantage that they are embodied in one piece with the pipe end sections, whereby no tightness problems occur. An additional sealing chamber is thereby not necessary, since the necessary room is provided by the profiled clamp. An axial and radial securing in position as well as a fluid-tight connection thus takes place in a simple manner.

The connecting assembly with two pipe end sections <b>2</b>, <b>3</b> and a profiled clamp <b>4</b> has a clamping band <b>5</b> with a base <b>6</b> and two tilted side walls <b>7</b>, <b>8</b>, within which an annular sealing element <b>15</b> is arranged. The pipe end sections <b>2</b>, <b>3</b> have a perimeter pleat <b>11</b>, <b>12</b> projecting outwards respectively on their ends facing towards one another. Ends <b>9</b>, <b>10</b> of the side walls <b>7</b>, <b>8</b> engage behind the pleats <b>11</b>, <b>12</b> on sides facing away from one another. The pipe end sections <b>2</b>, <b>3</b> can have an identical diameter and in particular bear against one another at the front face. A distance a between the pleats <b>11</b>, <b>12</b> may be selected such that ends <b>9</b>, <b>10</b> of the side walls <b>7</b>, <b>8</b> are spaced apart radially from the pipe end sections <b>2</b>, <b>3</b>. The sealing element <b>15</b> can bear against the base <b>6</b> and the side walls <b>7</b>, <b>8</b>, and has recesses <b>16</b>, <b>17</b> in particular in the region of the ends <b>9</b>, <b>10</b> of the side walls <b>7</b>, <b>8</b>. The recesses <b>16</b>, <b>17</b> can be smaller than the pleats. Preferably a width of the base <b>6</b> is smaller than the distance a between the pleats <b>11</b>, <b>12</b>. The pleats <b>11</b>, <b>12</b> may have a straight region <b>18</b>, <b>19</b> running in the radial direction. In a preferred embodiment the sealing element <b>15</b> has an insert sleeve <b>21</b> on a radial inside, so as to axially cover a gap between the pipe end sections <b>2</b>, <b>3</b>. In another preferred embodiment the sealing element <b>15</b> has an annular element <b>23</b> on a radial inside, which is positionable to extend into a gap between the pipe end sections <b>2</b>, <b>3</b>. The annular element is embodied in one piece or in two pieces with the sealing element.

The pleat <b>11</b>, <b>12</b> projecting outwards is made in each pipe end section <b>2</b>, <b>3</b>, so that a distance between the pleats <b>11</b>, <b>12</b> is selected such that side walls <b>7</b>, <b>8</b> of the profiled clamp <b>5</b> overlap the pleats <b>11</b>, <b>12</b> and ends <b>9</b>, <b>10</b> of the side walls <b>7</b>, <b>8</b> are spaced apart radially from the pipe end sections <b>2</b>, <b>3</b>.

It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.